COMP 380-003 Computers
& Society Spring 2008
A MODEST PROPOSAL TO STUDENTS
Read
carefully. Please
don’t
take offense if you already follow these suggestions.
1. Enthusiasm is contagious. Profs respond
and
teach so much better to an alert, attentive, and interested class, in
just the way an entertainer puts on a better show for an enthusiastic
audience.
2. Be involved. Participate. Care.
Even if you have nothing to say, then show that you are interested and
engaged by making eye contact with me. You would find it boring
if I never made eye contact with you. I will find you boring and
assume you are not interested if you seldom look up.
3. The "I'm just too cool for this discussion"
posture is unacceptable and offensive; and worse, it makes you
look like a high school brat. Do not carry on private
conversations, slouch, sleep, or glare at your watch. I can see
your facial expressions and body language. Will you appreciate
such posture when you come up here to speak? Do you ever wonder
why profs get grouchy?
4. When another student speaks, do not think of it
as an opportunity to tune out, or to start your own private
conversation. Even whispers are obnoxious to everyone around you,
and to the teaching staff. Respecting your classmates includes
listening carefully to their questions and comments. See our Guidelines for Discussion.
5. When you speak, speak clearly and with plenty of
VOLUME so everyone can hear you.
6. PLEASE do not pack up as a signal that class is
ending. If it looks like I’m about to run over (which is rare),
just raise your hand. But having said that: If you have a
class right after (or before) this one which is on the other side of
campus, see one of us ASAP to make arrangements to assign you an end
seat, and to ensure that you are not inadvertently marked absent.
If you arrive late, it is your responsibility to see the TA or me after
class to ensure you are marked on the roll.
7. Contrary to popular student opinion, grading is
not easy, and profs and TAs do not take sadistic pleasure in it.
It is one of the hardest parts of the job; and while we will maintain
high standards, we are willing to back them up by providing you as much
feedback and support as we can. We strive to be as fair as
possible to everyone.
8. Do not wait until it is too late to seek
help. If you are having problems that may interfere with your
fulfilling any course obligation or meeting any deadline, please
discuss with one of the teaching staff as soon as possible, and as far
in advance of the due date as possible. We will do everything
that we can to assist you. We can do much more for you if you
discuss your plight before a deadline date—your excuse will be far more
credible. And remember that we cannot help if you do not
communicate. Face-to-face is often better for serious discussions.
*Excerpts from The Teaching
Professor, Aug/Sept. 1999; with editorial license taken.
Last
update: 12 March 2008